An EU GSP+ Monitoring Mission will visit Sri Lanka from 28th of April to 7th of May 2025 to assess the country’s progress in meeting the conditions tied to GSP+ trade preferences. This visit is part of the regular biannual monitoring process to which Sri Lanka has committed in order to maintain access to these trade benefits.
During the visit, the Mission will engage with government officials, key institutions, politicians, civil society, business associations, and trade unions. Site visits are also planned as part of the evaluation.
Sri Lanka is one of eight low- or lower-middle income countries currently benefiting from GSP+, a special incentive scheme that promotes Sustainable Development and Good Governance. It is available to vulnerable developing countries that have ratified and are effectively implementing 27 international conventions related to human rights, labour rights, environmental protection, climate change, and good governance. Compliance with these conventions is reviewed through regular monitoring missions and reports.
The European Union, comprising 27 Member States and a population of 450 million, is Sri Lanka’s second-largest export destination. In 2024, Sri Lanka exported goods worth €2.7 billion to the EU, with approximately 85% of these exports receiving duty-free access under GSP+.
